Vale Hotel Golf & Spa

The jacuzzis were full the whole time we were there, which was disappointing, though maybe we happened to go at peak hours. There was plenty else to enjoy: a lovely pool, sauna and steam room, plus a well-equipped gym. The food was delicious with lots of choice, and as far as I could tell they catered for different dietary needs. There are several bars too. Our room was huge, with a big bed and bathroom, and the mattress and pillows were really comfortable. A great stay with premium facilities. I’d happily recommend it and come back.

Staff were nice enough, but the bar food was absolutely terrible. I ordered penne puttanesca and got pasta with tomato sauce and grilled chicken instead. It was completely bland, despite the dish supposedly being spicy. I’ve had spicier frosted cornflakes. There was no sign of capers or olives, either. Maybe the kitchen had run out of salt and pepper. It reminded me of the basic, boring dishes we made in high school home economics, when our parents pretended to enjoy them for tea. Cooking lessons for Christmas wouldn’t go amiss. The food was honking, and it cost 25 quid.

The food was really good and the service was good too, but the room was a letdown. The curtains were grubby, and the outside door didn’t feel secure. There was no cold water, so brushing my teeth with boiling hot water wasn’t pleasant. The hairdryer only worked in one particular position. The air conditioning didn’t work either. I turned it right up and got no heat; someone told me not to set it to 28, but to try 25. I did, and it still didn’t work. I won’t stay there again. The food was nice, but not worth the trip on its own. Very disappointing.

The food was the highlight for me. The chicken was delicious, and I’d eat it again in a heartbeat. Restaurant staff were lovely and even put together a special occasion plate for us. We absolutely loved our stay. The rooms were spacious, clean and lovely, and we really enjoyed the health suite.